[in.stinct] n [ME, fr. L instinctus impulse, fr. instinguere to incite; akin to L instigare to instigate] (15c) 1: a natural or inherent aptitude, impulse, or capacity "had an ~ for the right word"
2. a: a largely inheritable and unalterable tendency of an organism to make a complex and specific response to environmental stimuli without involving reason b: behavior that is mediated by reactions below the conscious level -- in.stinc.tu.al adj -- in.stinc.tu.al.ly adv
[2]in.stinct adj (1667) 1 obs: impelled by an inner or animating or exciting agency
2: profoundly imbued: infused "my mood, ~ with romance --S. J. Perelman"